2025 was a year that reminded us just how alive global music culture really is. From long-awaited comebacks to landmark broadcasts and fierce debates that spilled far beyond the airwaves, the world’s most influential festivals, radio stations and DJs delivered moment after moment of pure energy.
Across scenes and cities, artists pushed boundaries, communities showed up in full force and Mixcloud had a front-row seat for it all. Here are just some of the year’s defining highlights; the sets, clashes, mixes and milestones that shaped 2025.
Red Bull Culture Clash’s triumphant comeback
2025 saw the long-awaited return of Red Bull Culture Clash for the first time since 2016. At the event, held at London’s Drumsheds in March, four crews juked it out for total sound system supremacy representing various genres and styles. Spice, Jyoty, Kenny Allstar and Teezee led the teams with Spice Army, Homegrown, Voice Of The Streets and Native Soundsystem respectively. They represented Dancehall, Electronic, UK Rap and Afrobeats.
Though Jamaican artist Spice took the W, the moments were enough to write a book. There was Sister Nancy joining Spice on stage for a rendition of the immortal ‘Bam Bam;’ playful subliminals by Elijah; Kele Le Roc, A$AP Ferg and Sneakbo taking to the stage and much much more. The return of the Clash was a monumental success; here’s hoping the wait for the next one isn’t as long.
Primavera Sound’s sustained awesomeness
Let it never be said that Primavera Sound never delivers. Going strong since 2001, the Barcelona-based festival – with a sister festival in Porto, Portugal – went all in for the 2025 edition in June. Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, FKA Twigs, Jamie xx, Caribou, Central Cee, Fontaines D.C., Turnstile and LCD Soundsystem are just a few names that shut it down this year. The Radio Primavera Sound Mixcloud profile also gave us a lot to enjoy pre and post-festival, gearing us up for what Primavera has in store next year.
The rise and rise of Room 303 Radio
I think I can speak for most of the Mixcloud staff when I say that Room 303 kept us on our toes all year. On any given day, you can find live streams from the Tokyo-based station and some of the most skilled DJs spinning up a storm. Everything from Techno and Electro to Downtempo and experimental club sounds. With a lovely decor to boot, a Room 303 broadcast is sure to make your day better. Here’s to more amazing moments from the crew!
The perfection of KEXP’s ‘Midnight In A Perfect World’
Seattle-based KEXP’s flagship show, ‘Midnight In A Perfect World’ has gone from strength to strength this year. Welcoming a wide range of guests, from Guedra Guedra to james K, we’ve been privy to the weird and wonderful musical worlds on show.
In July, Avalon Emerson returned with her amazing new album Perpetual Emotion Machine, her first project in two years. It is the culmination of a journey that took her from the warehouse of San Francisco – where she was born – to the eclectic Berlin scene in which she’s now based. Taking the album to the airwaves, KEXP welcomed her on ‘Midnight In A Perfect World.’ She delivered a mix steeped in curiosity and exploration. Everything from Enya remixes to her own edit of a banging Mk.gee tune sees the light of day. The mood? “Running river darling,” to quote Avalon herself.
The birth of Japan’s new favourite radio station: Plain FM
We’re always really proud to see new radio stations make their way to Mixcloud. Launched in July 2025, Plain FM brought its eclectic vibrations to the platform and we’re big fans. Starting strong with a DJ set by Suzi Analogue, the Tokyo-based station has since welcomed a slew of local DJs, underpinning its community focus. Looking forward to more from the Plain crew!
A legendary three-hour DJ Spinna set in a park
As the summer drew to a close, DJ Spinna took it upon himself to keep the spirit going. The legendary selector took it back to the soul for Atlanta’s House In The Park weekend festival in August. He played classic Rare Grooves in a sprawling tent in front of connected listeners and dancers. “It was jam packed with no phones present,” Spinna remembers. “Everyone moving in unison and RESPONDING to the music and all of its explosive nuances, one big rollercoaster ride.” This set is proof that crowds can still be moved at the will of the DJ. Who better to move the crowd than DJ Spinna. “The entire experience reminded me of why I fell in love with spinning records and going to clubs as a teen,” he continues.
An emotional send off for Ziad Rahbani
Legendary Lebanese musician, composer and playwright Ziad Rahbani tragically passed away in July 2025 at the age of 69. Known for his innovative blends of traditional Arabic music and classical Jazz, his music often mirrored Lebanon’s social and political context over the last half century. Rahbani consistently produced emotionally charged scores and orchestral suites. His work and career was the focus of an episode of Music Is My Sanctuary. Put together by resident Dusty FingerZ, you hear glimpses of his vast legacy. Via music and interview clips, he reflects on life, politics, creativity and the power of love. A truly worthy send off.
Resident Advisor’s 1000 mixes of greatness
In August 2025, the culturally important publication Resident Advisor (RA) got into their curation bag and pulled out history. Celebrating 1000 mixes in their storied series that began in 2006, it commissioned over 30 hours of fresh new mixes from a who’s who of DJs and musicians to mark the occasion. There are mixes by Bicep, Jyoty, Tim Reaper, Theo Parrish, Frankie Knuckles, Helena Hauff, DJ Harvey & Andrew Weatherall, Sama’ Abdulhadi, Mark Ernestus and DJ Sprinkles. For such an important occasion representing the relevance of RA as well as a reminder of the ever-changing fabric of DJ culture, RA.1000 is a true creative and musical achievement.
Night Slugs’ KINDRED shutdown
Night Slugs is the British electronic record label that has shaped club sounds for over a decade. Pushing out distinctive blends of House, Grime, UK Funky and everything in between, they’ve attracted a loyal following of fans and releases by the needle movers of modern club music. Back in September, Night Slugs descended upon London-based radio station KINDRED for a vibey day of programming. Bok Bok, Ikonika, JD. Reid and Girl Unit are just a few names that passed through. But we’re especially digging Karen Nyame KG’s mid-afternoon set. Dripping with Afro House and Funky flavours, it’s an hour of your time you’ll be glad you invested in.
NTS’ Don’t Assume Day extravaganza
In October, NTS Radio brought the biggest names in music and the arts under its own worldly roof for a day. Its mission was to “celebrate the universal joy of music fandom” in a special 24 hours of programming, raising money for the UN World Food Programme. This included shows by Samuel L. Jackson & Kesh, Jeremy Corbyn, Daniel Kaluuya, Hans Ulrich Obrist, Paloma Elsesser, Shon Faye, Edgar Davids, Elijah Wood and so many more. The result is a truly fantastic showcase of taste and curation, bringing us closer to the people shaping modern culture.
Brooklyn Radio’s fitting tribute to D’Angelo
The music world was dealt a huge blow in October 2025 with the passing of D’Angelo. One of the most innovative artists of any generation, he is credited with helping birth Neo Soul. Meanwhile, his albums Brown Sugar, Voodoo and Black Messiah made waves beyond the soulful confines from which he came. To celebrate his life, Brooklyn Radio produced an incredible tribute. They paid close attention to the features D’Angelo handed out throughout his career. Which, if I do say so myself, is one of the more underrated aspects of the man. His ability to uplift others around him. R.I.P. to a true icon.
Marfa Public Radio’s tender Día de los Muertos celebrations
For the uninitiated, Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a big deal in Mexico. Every November, the Mexican nation and diaspora pay tribute to the deceased. They do this with colorful homages, decorations and events, turning death into a celebration. For its annual pilgrimage, Marfa Public Radio produced an intimate listener dedication programme. In it, they read out testimonies from listeners about the loved ones they’ve lost. With some incredible music spliced in between. Tune in for tracks by The Police, Paul Simon, Joan Baez, Credence Clearwater Revival and more.
See you in 2026!